FAQ: Postal Disruption and the 2025 Municipal Election
More
Search
On September 29, the City released its plan to safeguard voter access and uphold election integrity in response to the ongoing postal disruption. Below are questions and answers to help the public understand changes to the election process. You can click on the questions below to find the answers below.
- Why was the election date changed?
-
What if I cannot vote in person and my ballot hasn’t been received?
- I have questions - who can I speak with?
Why was the election date changed?
To ensure residents have time and access to vote, the municipal election originally scheduled for October 2 has been moved to October 8.
This extension will provide the City with additional time to:
- Secure additional resources and equipment to support a potential higher demand for in-person voting.
- Launch a portal for residents to check the status of their ballot due to some kits still potentially being within the Canada Post system.
How do I know if my ballot has been received?
A Ballot Status Look-Up Portal will be launched soon.
- You’ll be able to check online if your kit has been received by the City.
- You can also contact 311 or 709-754-CITY (2489) or email access@stjohns.ca for help.
What if my ballot has not been received by the City?
If your ballot was not received, you have two options:
- Vote in person on election day (October 8) at your ward’s Voting Centre.
- Request a replacement kit by calling 311 or 709-754-CITY (2489) or emailing election@stjohns.ca. Replacement kits must be picked up at City Hall by October 7.
Full details on how you can cast your vote can be found at StJohns.ca/Vote.
Where can I drop off my completed vote-by-mail kit?
If you have completed a kit and not returned it by mail, you can return it to one of our secure drop box locations up until election day (October 8).
The secure drop box outside City Hall (10 New Gower Street) is available 24/7 until 8 p.m. on October 8.
You can also bring your kit to drop boxes inside the following recreation facilities during regular operating hours or until 8 p.m. on Election Day (October 8):
- Paul Reynolds Community Centre, 35 Carrick Drive - 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
- H.G.R. Mews Community Centre, 60 Blackler Avenue - 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
- Kenmount Terrace Community Centre, 85 Messenger Drive - Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Shea Heights Community Centre, 130 Linegar Avenue - Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Goulds Recreation Centre, 509 Main Road – Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Southlands Community Centre, 40 Teakwood Drive - Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where do I vote in person on election day?
You can vote at your ward’s Voting Centre between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on October 8.
- Ward 1 – Paul Reynolds Community Centre, 35 Carrick Drive
- Ward 2 – Centre for Performance and Creativity (Former Cochrane United Church), 42 Bannerman Street
- Ward 3 – H.G.R. Mews Community Centre, 60 Blackler Avenue
- Ward 4 – Kenmount Terrace Community Centre, 85 Messenger Drive
- Ward 5 – Shea Heights Community Centre, 130 Linegar Avenue
- Ward 5 – Goulds Recreation Centre, 509 Main Road
Bring acceptable ID. If you’re not registered, you can register on-site.
What if I cannot vote in person and my ballot hasn’t been received?
Contact election staff for help:
- Call 311 or 709-754-CITY (2489)
- Email election@stjohns.ca
What happens to ballots that remain in the postal system?
Any ballot not received by the City will be cancelled to prevent duplicate voting when the resident either votes on election day or requests a new kit.
Who decided to delay the election?
The election date was extended under the authority of the Chief Returning Officer, in line with Section 8 of the Municipal Elections Act. This ensures the decision is independent of Council and protects the integrity of the process.
I have questions - who can I speak with?
Our election team can help answer questions:
- Call 311 or 709-754-CITY (2489)
- Email election@stjohns.ca
Contact Us